Whether you've had an actual full on panic and anxiety attack or not, most of us know the feeling of panic of anxiousness washing over you without any warning. Sometimes, that causes panic and anxiety attacks, and sometimes you just don't know how to make yourself feel better. Well, I'm here to help.
Now, before I say anything else, I just want to say, I AM NOT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. But, as a high school student who gets panic attacks quite frequently, I hope what I've learned along the way can be some benefit. So, here are six ways to handle a panic or anxiety attack in high school.
1. Find A Way To Not Be In A Situation That Would Trigger One
If you know a scenario is going to make you really uncomfortable or scared, try your best not to put yourself in it! For example, does the extreme crowd in the cafeteria make you nervous? Find a nice teacher who wouldn't mind you sitting in their classroom during your lunch period.
(Shout out to Mr. Segall, my forensics teacher who lets me sit in his room while he's teaching. You're the best, Seges.)
Now, I say this, and yet I know a lot of people will tell you that you face to "face your fears". I wouldn't listen to them. If someone is trying to make you go somewhere or do something that is obviously making you uncomfortable, then they are just not a good person for you to be around.
2. Inform Your Friends On How They Can Help You
I and others can tell you, sometimes panic attacks happen in front of your friends- and they'll have no idea what to do or how to help you. Trust me, it's not as nerve wracking as it sounds. It's for your benefit, it's to help you. Friends will listen to you, and true friends will help you along the way. (For example, my friends know to let me sit in the very corner of the room, and if I can't breathe, to give me water.) What ever you need, all you have to do is tell them.
3. Music!
One of the greatest inventions that human kind ever created is music. Music is a fantastic way to help you calm down. Find songs that you enjoy, that mean something to you, songs you know will help you relax. Throw them all together and you have the ideal playlist for when you need it the most.
4. Procrastination's A Bitch, Don't Do It.
Throughout my high school career, I have realized that a lot of my panic or anxiety attacks happen when I leave a bunch of assignments to the very last minute. I then stress out because now I don't have as much time as I could. Have something that's not due for a few days? Don't wait till 10:00 the night before. Do your homework when you get it. You're stress level will thank you later.
Tip! Buy a white board and write down all the work you have to do before the next school day. As you do them, you can erase one by one! I do this and just seeing the list getting shorter helps me a lot.
5. Tell Your Teacher If You Need To Leave For A Minute
If you have panic attacks frequently, then it may be best to inform your teachers before hand that they happen. Most of the time, a teacher will quickly agree to let you leave the room if it happens. It may also help to make a plan with your teacher that allows you to leave the room with the less amount of distractions.
(There may be some cases where a teacher isn't as agreeing, so it's totally ok for your parents to meet with your teacher and explain what happens. Also, if needed, it's completely alright to bring a note from your doctor.)
6. Remember: It's Going To Be OK
Nothing lasts forever, especially panic attacks. You're going to get through them. You are strong. You can do anything. Breathe. Test anxiety beating you down? Know that the test only lasts for one class period. Scared to make a presentation? You can and will get through it.
Remember, you are strong. You have control on you. You can do anything. You will get through it.
